The film marks the beginning of a potentially long-term collaboration between Cineverse and ABE, the original creators behind the Air Bud movie franchise that has captured the hearts of multiple generations worldwide for more than 25 years. As Cineverse builds upon its long history of success with kids and family content in streaming, today’s news marks the expansion into theatrical features targeting this broad audience. This is also a continuation of Cineverse’s strategy of acquiring high-quality, studio-grade legacy IP and bringing it to new and existing fans through fresh, emotionally-rich storytelling.
The film is written and directed by ABE Founder Robert Vince, who has built a legacy of heartwarming family content (“We Speak Family”). He produced the original Air Bud (1997) as an independent movie before licensing U.S. distribution rights to Disney, and has since produced all 14 films in the Air Bud, Air Buddies, and Santa Paws franchises, writing and directing 10 of the franchise. More than a billion people in 30-plus different languages worldwide have watched the original Air Bud movie, and in addition to being a proven box office winner, the franchise has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in ancillary sales.
“Anyone who follows the box office knows that we are experiencing an important moment at the intersection of 90s and early 2000s nostalgia and Millennial parents looking for family-friendly movies to share with their kids,” said Cineverse Chief Motion Pictures Officer Yolanda Macias. “With the return of an iconic franchise that has remained popular since Robert created the OG Air Bud more than 28 years ago, we are offering a real treat that will resonate with fans across generations. This is the ideal first project for us as we expand our theatrical strategy to the kids and family category.”
“Air Bud Returns isn’t just another sequel or remake—it’s a unique story,” said Vince. “This movie will engage nostalgic Air Bud fans while introducing a new generation to the beloved basketball-playing golden retriever, Buddy. It builds upon the legacy of the OG Air Bud with all the fun, the magic, heartwarming scenes, and Buddy playing basketball. More than anything, it’s a deeply human story about a dog and boy, centered on themes of adaptation, redemption, and teamwork.”
In Air Bud Returns, 12-year old Jacob has always dreamt of being a star basketball player. After the passing of his father, that dream felt even more impossible. But everything changes when he and his mom move into his dad’s childhood home in Fernfield. There, Jacob discovers an original VHS of the Air Bud movie in his father’s belongings and has a chance meeting of a stray golden retriever he names Buddy. Together they embark on a journey of healing, unite a team of misfits, and chase a championship. Through it all they learn to play from the heart, believe in each other, and always take the shot!
Buddy is back on the court!
Set to begin filming this summer in Fernfield aka Fort Langley, British Columbia, the franchise’s original hometown, Air Bud Returns signals Cineverse’s growing commitment to theatrical storytelling that connects with passionate audiences. It marks the first kids and family feature to be released by the independent studio and follows the Company’s announcement that it has formed a dedicated Motion Pictures Group.
